The jet-heeled forward hasn’t started a Premier League game this campaign but has got three goals and two assists in five Europa League matches.

But Osman, who spent his entire career at Goodison Park, feels landing Walcott would solve a big problem for Allardyce.

“Theo has not been in the limelight lately, Osman told talkSPORT. “He can’t get a game for Arsenal at the moment but Everton lack pace, especially in the strike force, and, more importantly, anybody who is prepared to run in behind the opposition defence, everyone at Everton at the moment wants the ball into feet.

“Theo Walcott is certainly the type of player Everton and Sam Allardyce need, he’s got a decent goal record still, about one in four at Arsenal, despite not having loads of minutes on the pitch.

“He could potentially, if he gets up and running at Everton, be a key player.”